Global String
A Musical Instrument for Hybrid Space
Atau Tanaka, Bert Bongers
[email protected],
[email protected]
Abstract
Creative and technical considerations in building a
musical instrument to traverse acoustical space and
network space. Conceiving a musical instrument for
heterogeneous space and democratic use requires
implementation of diverse modes and techniques
satisfying needs of tactile local presence, and
tangible telepresence. The result is an artistic project
destined for multi-site gallery installation and
performance. It is a musical instrument that exists in
the mixed realities of acoustical space and network
space.
Keywords:
Network music, sensor instrument, gallery
installation
Project URL:
http://www.sensorband.com/atau/globalstring/
Year the Work was created:
1998 -2000
Project Partners:
GMD
WDR
The Daniel Langlois Foundation
V2
Ars Electronica Center
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
Global String is a multi-site network music
installation. The idea was to create a musical string
(like the string of a violin or guitar) that spans a large
geographical distance.
The installation consists of a steel cable (12mm
diameter, 15m length) connected to a virtual string on
the network. The real part of the string stretches from
the floor diagonally up to the ceiling of the space.
Vibration sensors translate the physical vibrations
to network data. These vibrations are transmitted to
the other endpoint of the string, an identical steel
cable. Striking the string on one side makes it vibrate
on the other end.
hlgure 1. (ilobal String at V2/AEC
Sound is synthesized in real time by a software
algorithm implementing a physical model of a string
of unreal proportions. Audio, video, and sensor data
is streamed between the sites, providing a live
connection between the players.
The system made up of these components
conceptually comprises a single vibrating string. It is
a musical instrument where the network is its
resonating body. This paper discusses conceptual and
technical issues confronted during development and
realiza-tion of the project.
1.2 Hybrid space
Global String exploits network infrastructure to
connect two (or more) parallel physical acoustical
spaces. As the vibrations of the string traverse
network space, one can think of Global String as a
stringed instrument that is made up of heterogeneous
materials, or mediums. Change of medium for signals
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